610Of the Same to
Gregory a Presbyter, that He Should Separate from a Woman who Dwelt
with Him.

Canon LXXXIX.

A letter to Gregory, an unmarried priest, charging him
to dismiss a woman whom he kept, though he was 70 years of age, and
declared himself free from all amorous affections; and St. Basil would
seem to believe him in this particular; but cites the III. canon of
Nice against this practice, bids him avoid scandal, place the woman in
a monastery, and be attended by men: he threatens him that if he
does not comply, he shall die suspended from his office, and give
account to God: that he shall be an anathema to all the people,
and they who receive him [to communion] be excommunicated.